If you have ever thought about working in healthcare but don’t want to spend years in school, becoming a dental assistant could be the perfect choice. It is a hands-on, fast-paced, and people-focused career that offers strong job security and great pay. Dental assistants are essential to every dental team. They support dentists during procedures, care for patients, and help keep clinics running smoothly. But how much do dental assistants actually make in Alberta? Let’s look at salaries, job demand, and what it takes to start this rewarding career. 
 

Is Dental Assisting in Demand in Alberta 
 

Yes, it is. Dental assistants are in steady demand across Alberta as more people seek oral healthcare and as experienced professionals retire. According to the 2024 to 2026 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast, about 5,500 people are currently employed as dental assistants in the province. The three-year job market outlook is rated hot, meaning opportunities for new graduates are strong, and employers are hiring. 

The five-year employment forecast from 2021 to 2025 shows a modest 1.8 percent growth rate, categorized as below average. However, this lower growth number simply means the field is already well staffed. In reality, there will still be a healthy number of openings. The forecast estimates about 97 new positions in the coming years, largely due to retirements and turnover as members of the baby boom generation leave the workforce. Most dental assistants work in private practices, which make up the majority of jobs available. Others find work in community health centres, hospitals, or dental clinics. Some choose roles in dental insurance companies, denture laboratories, or dental supply firms. 
 

While there are limited opportunities for promotion within the role itself, many dental assistants move into related fields such as office management, teaching, or specialized dental care after additional training. Overall, the job outlook for dental assistants in Alberta is stable and promising, with steady employment and good earning potential for qualified graduates. 
 

How Much Do Dental Assistants Make in Alberta 
 

According to the 2023 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, dental assistants and dental laboratory assistants (NOC 33100) earn an average wage of $31.83 per hour. That equals an annual salary of about $52,431 based on 31.7 average weekly hours and full-year employment. Here is the breakdown of pay rates across Alberta: 
 

Even those just starting out can expect to earn a solid hourly wage, and experienced dental assistants can make over $40 per hour depending on their work setting. These figures are backed by high data reliability, meaning they accurately reflect what professionals in Alberta earn today. 
 

Factors That Influence Dental Assistant Pay 
 

Several factors affect how much dental assistants make in Alberta. Here are the main ones. 

Experience Level 

Your pay will rise as you gain experience. Entry-level dental assistants typically earn around $26 per hour. After a few years, wages usually increase to about $31 to $33 per hour. Highly skilled or specialized dental assistants working in orthodontics or oral surgery can earn between $36 and $42 per hour. 
 

Location 

Dental assistants in larger cities like Edmonton and Calgary often earn slightly higher wages because of higher living costs and busier clinics. Those in smaller towns or rural areas may earn a bit less but often enjoy steadier schedules and a lower cost of living. 
 

Type of Practice 

Your workplace can have a big impact on your earnings. Assistants who work in specialized dental offices, such as orthodontic or surgical practices, often receive higher pay than those in general clinics. Specialized settings require more technical skills and precision, which employers are willing to pay for. 
 

Certification and Registration 

In Alberta, dental assistants must complete an approved program, pass the National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) exam, and register with the College of Alberta Dental Assistants (CADA). Graduates who meet these requirements are considered fully qualified and tend to earn higher wages. Certification also opens more doors for employment across the province. 
 

Workplace Setting 

Most dental assistants work in private dental offices, but others are employed in hospitals, public health clinics, and dental labs. Hospital-based positions sometimes pay more, especially if evening or weekend shifts are required. 
 

Dental Assisting Program at Reeves College 
 

If you want to become a dental assistant, the Dental Assisting Diploma program at Reeves College in Edmonton South is one of Alberta’s top training options. The program runs for 45 weeks and provides practical, career-focused education that prepares students for real-world dental environments. 
 

Program Overview 
 

• Credential: Diploma 
• Delivery: On-campus learning with hands-on experience 
• Duration: 45 weeks 
• Certification: Graduates are eligible to write the NDAEB exam and register with CADA 
   

What You Will Learn 

Students gain knowledge in oral facial sciences, dental materials, infection prevention, radiography, and chairside techniques. They also learn how to manage patient records, maintain sterilization standards, and assist dentists during procedures. 

Reeves College requires students to complete a minimum of five hours of job shadowing at the beginning of the program and 140 hours of practical experience before graduation. This early exposure helps students gain confidence in clinical settings. 
 

Proven Graduate Success 
 

Reeves College graduates have an impressive record of success. In September 2025, graduates from the Edmonton South campus achieved a 100 percent pass rate on the NDAEB exam. Graduates commonly work as dental assistants, chairside dental assistants, front desk coordinators, and sterilization assistants. Many find long-term roles in private practices across Alberta. To apply, students must meet admission and health requirements, provide immunization records and a criminal record check, and demonstrate English proficiency if applying as an international student. 
 

The program is accredited and meets all standards required by the College of Alberta Dental Assistants. This ensures that students graduate ready to become registered dental assistants in Alberta. 
 

Final Thoughts 
 

So, how much do dental assistants make in Alberta? On average, about $31.83 per hour or $52,000 per year. Salaries are strong, job prospects are steady, and the training is short. It is a career that combines technical skills, compassion, and teamwork in a growing healthcare field. With Alberta’s consistent demand for oral health professionals and programs like the Dental Assisting Diploma at Reeves College, you can enter this rewarding career in less than a year. Dental assisting offers a great balance of stability, purpose, and income, making it one of the most appealing healthcare careers in the province. 
 

If you are ready to start a meaningful career that helps others and pays well, now is the perfect time to explore the world of dental assisting.